The history of Ryukyu nationality

The history of human beings in Ryukyu Islands can be traced back to tens of thousands of years ago. Its prehistoric period can be divided into the late Paleolithic period before the appearance of pottery and the Kitazawa period after the appearance of pottery (about between the Japanese indigenous rope period and the Heian period). The oldest human bone in the Ryukyu Islands was found near Naha City, and it is called the caveman under the mountain, about 32,000 years ago.

1967, the remains of Okawa people dating back to 18000 were found in Gushichan village (now Yachimachi). The ancient human fossils of Ryukyu Islands are centered on Okinawa and distributed in Kumi Island, Yijiang Island and Miyakojima.

In Japanese local history books, there have been records of Shinji, the beauty of the ball, the length of the night, and the tribute paid to Japan by the residents of Dugan Island. Takeshima Shiraishi believes that Shinji refers to today's Ishigaki Island, Meiqiu refers to today's Kumi Island, Night refers to today's Yakushima Island, and Juejue refers to today's Meide Island. In 753 AD, Jian Zhen, a monk from China, went to Japan to spread Buddhism, passing through Annebo Island, now Okinawa Island.

During the 7th and 8th centuries, Ryukyu people began to divide into different classes and formed a class society.

According to the official history book "Zhongshan Shi Jian" of Ryukyu, Amoy, the founder of Ryukyu Mountain, came to Okinawa for a long time and established the Ryukyu Kingdom. His son and grandson have ruled Ryukyu for generations, calling it Tian Sun Shi. The 25th generation Sun Shi was killed by the powerful minister Li Yong. Putian led the army to destroy Li Yong and establish the Shuntian dynasty. Wang Yiben, the third generation of Shuntian Dynasty, ceded the throne to Regent Yingzu and established Yingzu Dynasty. In the last years of the British ancestors, Ryukyu was divided into three countries: Zhongshan, Beishan and Nanshan, which was called "Sanshan era" in history. After the death of Wei, the last king of Yingzu, Putian seized the throne according to Si Chadu and became the king of Zhongshan. Ning Wu, son of Chadu, was overthrown by Chamba, assistant minister. Subsequently, Shang Bazhi conquered Beishan and Nanshan successively, unified Ryukyu in 1429, and established the first Shang Dynasty. At the same time, he accepted the title of "Zhongshan King of Ryukyu Kingdom" awarded by the Ming Dynasty in China. Since then, Ryukyu has become one of the most important trade transit ports in East Asia by virtue of its superior geographical position, and is known as the "golden beam of all nations".

1492, Sho Toku died of illness, ministers killed the prince, made Shang Yuan king, and established the second Shang Dynasty. During the reign of King Wang Heshang in Qing Dynasty, Ryukyu reached the peak of power by strengthening centralization and external expansion. 1609, Ryukyu was invaded by Tsu of Samoa and became a vassal state of Samoa.

1879, Japan annexed Ryukyu and changed it to Okinawa prefecture. Since then, the Japanese government has implemented the policy of imperial citizenship and tried to assimilate the Ryukyu people. Ryukyu people are forced to undertake the obligation of Japanese military service.

1944, the battle of Okinawa took place, the US military bombed Okinawa, and a large number of Ryukyu people died. This battle also caused serious damage to Ryukyu culture and cultural relics. In the same year, American troops occupied the Ryukyu Islands. The US military pursues a policy of alienating the Japanese and tries not to use the word Okinawa in public. However, due to the atrocities committed by the US military in Ryukyu, people are dissatisfied. Some people began to advocate Ryukyu independence; Others launched a homecoming movement in Japan, hoping to accept Japanese rule. 1972, the United States handed over the sovereignty of Ryukyu Islands to Japan.